Furniture with integrated storage compartments

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for furniture with integrated internal storage chambers that are sealable and operable to contain items.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/489,940, filed Apr. 25, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates generally to embodiments ofvarious furniture apparatuses, and more specifically to furnitureapparatuses with integrated storage compartments and associated systemsand methods.

BACKGROUND

Humanity has a long history of crafting and using outdoor furnituredating back to ancient Egypt, Rome, China, Mesopotamia, and othercivilizations. Humanity has long enjoyed relaxing outdoors, enjoyingfresh air, conversing with friends and family, eating meals, andotherwise being out in nature and crafted outdoor furniture to aid inparticipation in these activities. Numerous different materials havebeen used to construct outdoor furniture, including wood, metal, reeds,synthetics, stone, and other materials. For added comfort, humans haveadded many different types of cushions, pillows, blankets, towels, rugs,and other textiles as one or more layers providing comfort between thehuman body and harder or less forgiving surfaces.

While harder materials used to construct outdoor furniture generallydegrade at a slow rate due to the elements, normal and inclement weathercan cause rapid deterioration in softer materials, such as textiles.Color bleaching by exposure to the sun is common in textiles left in thesun's rays for long periods of time and repeated exposure. Fiberbreakdown can cause rips and tears in textiles where repeated exposureto moisture, wind dirt, sand, mud, salt, minerals, and other naturallyoccurring substances and elements. Fiber breakdown can also occur due toexposure to food and drinks that are spilled on textiles and repeateduse by humans and animals.

As with textiles, small objects are more likely to be damaged when leftoutdoors without protection. Examples are varied and can include dishes,shoes and sandals, toys, decorations, and numerous others. Objects andtextiles prone to more rapid deterioration generally require indoorstorage or outdoor storage in special cabinets, chests, and otherstorage units in order to protect them from natural elements and prolongtheir life cycles. Storage of items is a concern in nearly every climateand item storage may be costly or better used for other purposes inlocations where storage space is at a premium.

Thus, needs exist for improved techniques by which to store articles anditems for outdoor activities.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are embodiments of systems, devices, and methods formanufacturing, building, and using outdoor furniture with integratedstorage compartments.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, textiles such as cushions,pillows, and blankets and other small items can be stored within outdoorfurniture pieces, protecting them from natural elements and keeping themsafe, secure, dry, and clean.

Storing items within outdoor furniture pieces provides numerousadvantages, including time and space savings for users. As such, usersare able to take advantage of the convenient aspects of no longer havingto move cushions and other items from one location to another when usingor cleaning up an area. This can also remove the need for dedicatedpieces of storage furniture, cabinets, boxes and other items that maytake up valuable space. Additionally, time savings is increased whereusers do not need to transport cushions and other items from onelocation to another when packing up and storing items and also time whenunpacking and arranging items for use.

As an example, many resort hotels are in locations that may experienceheavy rain, wind, and/or snow that can cause negative effects to itemsleft outdoors. As such, employees of these resort hotels are forced togather all cushions and other items as quick as possible from outdoorfurniture items such as lounge chairs and tables and move them to asafe, dry area. When the inclement weather ceases, the employees arethen forced to transport the cushions and other items back to theirprevious locations, for use by guests. This activity can help to protectthe assets of the resort hotels and can provide guests with drycushions, which are highly preferable to soggy cushion or broken items.As such, time and monetary savings are vastly improved by providingoutdoor furniture with integrated storage compartments. For example,there is a reduced risk of an employee falling while walking andcarrying items, thus a reduced risk of insurance claims or lawsuitsagainst the resort hotels. Additionally, where employees have to walk toa relatively remote location for storage, employees could finish theirstorage tasks in a reduced amount of time and with a reduced chance ofbreaking any items. Further, employees can finish their tasks faster andmove on to other, more productive tasks.

The configuration of the devices described herein in detail are onlyexample embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Othersystems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the subjectmatter described herein will be or will become apparent to one withskill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, devices,methods, features and advantages be included within this description, bewithin the scope of the subject matter described herein and be protectedby the accompanying claims. In no way should the features of the exampleembodiments be construed as limiting the appended claims, absent expressrecitation of those features in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The details of the subject matter set forth herein, both as to itsstructure and operation, may be apparent by study of the accompanyingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. Thecomponents in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis insteadbeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter.Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, whererelative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustratedschematically rather than literally or precisely.

FIGS. 1A-1C show example embodiment perspective views of a prior artdedicated piece of storage furniture in a closed, open, and open withcushions inserted configurations.

FIGS. 2A-2C show an example embodiment of a square cocktail table withintegrated storage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIGS. 2D and 2E show example embodiments of a square cocktail table withintegrated storage from front and side angled side perspective views.

FIGS. 3A-3D show an example embodiment of a rectangular cocktail tablewith integrated storage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIGS. 4A-4D show an example embodiment of a dining chair with integratedstorage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIGS. 5A-5D show an example embodiment of an armless chair withintegrated storage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIG. 5E shows an example embodiment of an armless chair with integratedstorage from a side angled side perspective view.

FIGS. 6A-6D show an example embodiment of a corner-style chair withintegrated storage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIGS. 7A-7D show an example embodiment of a lounge chair with integratedstorage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIG. 7E shows an example embodiment of a lounge chair with integratedstorage from a side angled side perspective view.

FIGS. 8A-8C show an example embodiment of an ottoman with integratedstorage from top and side cross-sectional views.

FIG. 8D shows an example embodiment of an ottoman with integratedstorage from a side angled side perspective view.

FIG. 9A shows an example embodiment of hinges for coupling components.

FIG. 9B shows an example embodiment of hinges for coupling components.

FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of a full set of outdoor furniturewith integrated storage set from a perspective view.

FIG. 11A shows an example embodiment of outdoor furniture with aprotective covering from a perspective view.

FIG. 11B shows an example embodiment of a table and chairs with aprotective covering from a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the particularembodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention. Further, the figures herein are not meant to be limitingbased on any scale or size relation illustrated but rather are meant tobe example embodiments illustrative of concepts. Although any methods,materials, and devices similar or equivalent to those described hereincan be used in the practice or testing of embodiments, the preferredmethods, materials, and devices are now described.

Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods of manufacturingfurniture items with integrated storage compartments. In particular,outdoor furniture items are disclosed, although the disclosure herein isnot limited to such and can be extended to indoor and hybridindoor-outdoor furniture items, as would be understood by one of skillin the art.

FIGS. 1A-1C show example embodiment perspective views of a prior art 100dedicated piece of storage furniture in a closed, open, and open withcushions inserted configurations. As shown in the example embodiments, acrate or other dedicated piece of storage furniture may be large enoughto store numerous cushions for a variety of different pieces offurniture or other items. In general, these dedicated pieces of storagefurniture serve no other purpose than to store cushions and other items.When in use, cushions from other pieces of furniture can be removed fromthe other furniture and stored in an internal storage compartment withinthe dedicated piece of storage furniture. However, when not in use,these dedicated pieces of storage furniture take up valuable space. Assuch, it would be useful to eliminate dedicated pieces of storagefurniture while maximizing use of outdoor furniture space.

Examples of outdoor furniture items that can include integrated storagecompartments for storing cushions and other items and which are notdedicated pieces of storage furniture can include sitting furniture,such as: sofas, sectionals, side chairs, dining chairs, lounge chairs,high chairs, bar chairs, stools, recliners and others; table furniture,such as: cocktail tables, coffee tables, dining tables, side tables,desks, and others; lying down furniture, such as beds; furniture to restfeet upon, such as ottomans; and various other types of non-dedicatedstorage furniture.

Although not explicitly shown or described in the example embodimentsherein, additional components known for outdoor and indoor furniture canbe combinable in various additional embodiments. Examples include armrests, cup holders, ash trays, movable/adjustable/extendable platters,footrests, side tables, headrests, and other furniture related features.

In general, furniture pieces with integrated storage compartments caninclude an external, outer shell or base with one or more doors, lids,drawers or other movable components. These movable components canprovide access to one or more internal compartments by pivoting aboutone or more hinges; swiveling about a fixed bolt or securing mechanism;sliding in or out of a secondary compartment; sliding sideways or up anddown; or other mechanisms. In an open position, these doors, lidsdrawers or other movable compartments can reveal and provide access toan internal chamber of one or more interior storage compartments thatare operable to house items, such as cushions. In some embodiments,these movable components may provide access to a second layer movablecomponent constructed of the same or different materials in order toprovide an additional layer of safety or security for internalcompartments.

In some embodiments, whole or parts of panels can be large or sized thesame as entire sections or walls of furniture pieces. As an example, achair back that a chair user may rest against when seated that has aninternal storage compartment may pivot forward about a hinge in anupward, downward, left or right revealing an internal chamber that canbe used as a storage space for storing a chair cushion.

In some embodiments, the internal chamber or chambers of the storagecompartments can be made of natural materials such as stone, wood, plantfibers and others. In some embodiments, they can be made of syntheticmaterials including plastics, various polymers, and others.

Internal chambers can be hermetically sealed in some embodiments, suchthat they are airtight, waterproof, water resistant, or otherwisepartially, substantially or wholly sealed from external elements.

In various embodiments, cushions can include clean, minimalist lineswithout dangling items such as ties, without hook and loop fastenerpatches or other securing items. In some embodiments, cushions can beincluded or otherwise integrated with furniture having internal storagespaces. In some of these embodiments, cushions can have one or moreinternal or external magnets 722 on or in fabric on one or more surfacesthat magnetically couples with one or more magnets 724 of the piece offurniture with integrated storage. This can allow the cushion tomaintain a relatively fixed position with respect to the furniture item,while providing advantages in the form of time savings, since removaland placement are facilitated by the magnetic coupling with relativeease, Magnets 722,724 can be permanent state magnets or electromagnetswith on and off switches, power sources such as batteries or cordplugins, and other necessary associated components, as should beunderstood by those in the art.

In some embodiments, internal compartments should be sized such thatthey fully house a cushion for one or more furniture items within aninternal chamber.

FIGS. 2A-2D show an example embodiment of a square cocktail table 200A,200B, 200C, 200D with integrated storage from top and sidecross-sectional views.

As shown in FIG. 2A, an upper surface 230 of the square cocktail table200A with side surface 210 can be relatively or completely flat and aninternal compartment, indicated by the dashed lines in the figure, maybe sized such that it matches a substantial portion of the surface areaof the upper surface 230. Square cocktail tables can be variousdimensions in different embodiments. In some embodiments, dimensions ofan upper surface 230 can be about 23 inches wide by 23 inches long.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a side cross-sectional view of a square cocktailtable 200B can have a box shape, which may extend down to one or moresupporting feet or legs. In the example embodiment, the square cocktailtable has exterior dimensions of about 15¾ inches from a lower edgeabove the legs or feet to an upper edge that is positioned below asealable lid. A distance from a bottom edge of the legs or feet 240 incontact with a floor, deck, ground, or other supporting surface to anupper surface of a lid can be about 17¾ inches. As such, the lid 235 mayhave a maximum thickness of slightly less than two inches from an uppersurface edge to a surface edge that is flush with an upper surface edgeof a wall of the square cocktail table.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the square cocktail table 200C has an interiorchamber 250 with dimensions of about 12 inches from a supportinginternal surface edge with an internal clearance of about 3¾ inchesabove an upper internal bottom surface edge of the base of the squarecocktail table. A distance from one or multiple exterior walls 220 ofthe storage compartment to an internal wall of the base or exteriorshell of the square cocktail table can be about one inch. As shown inthe example embodiment, the distance from one internal wall to anopposing internal wall of the internal compartment can be about 21inches. As shown in the example embodiment, the square cocktail table200C can have one side coupled with one or more hinges that are alsocoupled to the lid and allow the lid to be rotated about the hinges. Insome embodiments, hinges can be internally positioned, externallypositioned, or combinations of both. The base or exterior shell can becoupled with the internal storage compartment 250 in some embodiments,while in other embodiments the internal storage compartment may restwithin a complementary or differently sized space within the externalshell. These couplings can be adhesive, mechanical, or others in variousembodiments. In many embodiments, the lid 235 can provide a watertightseal for the internal storage compartments and as such, may have one ormore internal lips, protrusions or other features.

FIGS. 2D and 2E shows an example embodiment of a closed and sealedsquare cocktail table 200D with integrated storage from front and sideangled side perspective views. In some embodiments, an external shell ofthe square cocktail table can be a durable powder-coated steel that iscovered and coupled with an all-weather resin wicker. This can provide adurable cocktail table that is weather resistant and can operable tosurvive many seasons, while protecting items stored in the internalstorage compartment. In some embodiments, square cocktail tables can bepreassembled, while in others, users may assemble one or more componentsthemselves.

FIGS. 3A-3D show an example embodiment of a rectangular cocktail table300A, 300B, 300C, 300D with integrated storage from top and sidecross-sectional views.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an upper surface 330 of the rectangularcocktail table with side surfaces 310 can be relatively or completelyflat and an internal compartment 360, indicated by the dashed lines 320in the figure, may be sized such that it matches a substantial portionof the surface area of the upper surface 330. Rectangular cocktailtables can be various dimensions in different embodiments. In someembodiments, dimensions of an upper surface can be about 23 inches wideby about 36 inches long.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a side cross-sectional view of a rectangularcocktail table 300B can have a box shape, which may extend down to oneor more supporting feet or legs 340 on the lower surface 350. In theexample embodiment, the rectangular cocktail table has exteriordimensions of about 153/4 inches from a lower edge above the legs orfeet to an upper edge that is positioned below a sealable lid. Adistance from a bottom edge of the legs or feet 340 in contact with afloor, deck, ground, or other supporting surface to an upper surface ofa lid 335 can be about 17¾ inches. As such, the lid 335 may have amaximum thickness of slightly less than two inches from an upper surfaceedge to a surface edge that is flush with an upper surface edge of awall of the rectangular cocktail table.

As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the rectangular cocktail table 300C has aninterior chamber with dimensions of about 12 inches from a supportinginternal surface edge with an internal clearance of about 3¾ inchesabove an upper internal bottom surface edge of the base of therectangular cocktail table. A distance from one or multiple exteriorwalls 320 of the storage compartment to an internal wall of the base orexterior shell of the rectangular cocktail table can be about one inch.As shown in the example embodiment, the widthwise distance from oneinternal wall to an opposing internal wall of the internal compartmentcan be about 21 inches, while the lengthwise distance from one internalwall to an opposing internal wall of the internal compartment can beabout 34 inches. As shown in the example embodiment, the rectangularcocktail 300C table can have one lengthwise side coupled with one ormore hinges that are also coupled to the lid and allow the lid to berotated about the hinges. In some embodiments, hinges can be internallypositioned, externally positioned, or combinations of both. The base orexterior shell can be coupled with the internal storage compartment 360in some embodiments, while in other embodiments the internal storagecompartment 360 may rest within a complementary or differently sizedspace within the external shell. These couplings can be adhesive,mechanical, or others in various embodiments. In many embodiments, thelid can provide a watertight seal for the internal storage compartmentsand as such, may have one or more internal lips, protrusions or otherfeatures.

In some embodiments, an external shell of the rectangular cocktail tablecan be a durable powder-coated steel that is covered and coupled with anall-weather resin wicker. This can provide a durable cocktail table thatis weather resistant and can operable to survive many seasons, whileprotecting items stored in the internal storage compartment. In someembodiments, rectangular cocktail tables can be preassembled, while inothers, users may assemble one or more components themselves.

FIGS. 4A-4D show an example embodiment of a dining chair 400A, 400B,400C, 400D with integrated storage from top and side cross-sectionalviews.

As shown in FIG. 4A, an upper surface of the back of the dining chairwith seating portion 420 and back portion 410 can be relatively orcompletely flat and include a first internal compartment 415, indicatedby the dashed lines in the figure, may be sized such that it matches asubstantial portion of the surface area of the upper surface. In someembodiments, dimensions of an upper surface of the back 410 of thedining chair can be about 5 inches wide by about 21 inches long. Asshown, an upper seating surface 430 can be about 19 inches long andabout 21 inches wide and include a second internal compartment. Thesecond internal compartment 440 may be sized such that it matches asubstantial portion of the surface area of the upper seating surface430. A combined length of the upper seating surface 430 and upper backsurface can be about 24 inches. Dining chairs can be various dimensionsin different embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a front cross-sectional view of the dining chaircan have a general chair shape, with one or more supporting feet or legs450, a seating surface, and a back. In the example embodiment, thedining chair has total dimensions of about 36 inches from a bottom edgeof the legs that is in contact with a floor, deck, ground, or othersupporting surface to an upper surface of a back lid. Legs can provideclearance above the ground with an open space in between, as in theexample embodiment there are four legs provided. Legs can be about 4inches wide each and about 8 inches tall from a floor contacting surfaceto a bottom surface of the body of the chair located below the seatingsurface. The body of the chair may be about 6 inches thick from a lowersuspended surface to a chair body lid. A distance from the bottom edgeof the chair legs to the upper seating surface of the body lid can beabout 15 inches, providing a lid thickness of about one inch. Legs canbe spaced apart such that they are about 13 inches from an inner legsurface to an opposing inner leg surface on a left and right side of thechair when viewed from the front. As such, a total width of the chairfrom a left facing and right facing surface can be about 21 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the dining chair has a first interior backchamber with dimensions of about 3 inches wide and about 22 inches tallfrom a supporting internal surface edge about 13 inches above a lowersurface of the back legs to a bottom surface of an upper back lid 435.The dining chair has a second interior chair base chamber withdimensions of about 4 inches deep and about 18 inches long from aninternal surface edge aligned with the front surface of the chair back.A distance from one or multiple internal facing walls of each storagecompartment to a closest external wall of the dining chair or exteriorshell of the dining chair can be about one inch. Legs can be about 16inches apart from front to back and the front facing surface of thedining chair can be about 24 inches from the backward facing surface ofthe back of the chair. The back of the chair can be about 35 inches fromthe ground facing surface of the legs to the upward facing surface belowthe upper lid 438 on the back of the chair. The base of the chair belowthe upward facing seating surface can be about 6 inches above thedownward facing surface of the chair above the legs.

Each lid is about one inch thick. As shown in the example embodiment,the dining chair internal compart lids are coupled along their widthwiseback side edges with one or more hinges that are also coupled to thechair body and allow the lids to be rotated about the hinges. In someembodiments, hinges can be internally positioned, externally positioned,or combinations of both. The dining chair base or exterior shell can becoupled with the internal storage compartment in some embodiments, whilein other embodiments the internal storage compartment may rest within acomplementary or differently sized space within the external shell.These couplings can be adhesive, mechanical, or others in variousembodiments. In many embodiments, the lids can provide a watertight sealfor the internal storage compartments and as such, may have one or moreinternal lips, protrusions or other features.

In some embodiments, an external shell of the dining chair can be adurable powder-coated steel that is covered and coupled with anall-weather resin wicker. This can provide a durable dining chair thatis weather resistant and can operable to survive many seasons, whileprotecting items stored in the internal storage compartments. In someembodiments, dining chairs can be preassembled, while in others, usersmay assemble one or more components themselves.

FIGS. 5A-5D show an example embodiment of an armless chair 500A, 500B,500C, 500D with integrated storage from top and side cross-sectionalviews.

As shown in FIG. 5A, an upper surface 512 of the back 510 of the armlesschair 500A can be relatively or completely flat and include a firstinternal compartment 520, indicated by the dashed lines in the figure,may be sized such that it matches a substantial portion of the surfacearea of the upper surface. In some embodiments, dimensions of an uppersurface 512 of the back of the armless chair can be about 5 inches wideby about 21 inches long. As shown, an upper seating surface 550 can beabout 23 inches long and about 21 inches wide. A combined length of theupper seating surface 550 and upper back surface 510 can be about 28inches. Armless chairs can be various dimensions in differentembodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, a front cross-sectional view of the armlesschair can have a general chair shape, with one or more supporting feetor legs 530, a seating surface 550, and a back 510. In the exampleembodiment, the armless chair has total dimensions of about 28 inchesfrom a bottom edge of the legs that are in contact with a floor, deck,ground, or other supporting surface to an upper surface of a back lid.Legs can provide clearance above the ground with an open space inbetween, as in the example embodiment there are four legs provided. Thebody of the chair may be about 14 inches thick from an upper seatingsurface to the bottom of the legs or feet. A distance from the bottomedge of the chair body above the legs to the upward facing surface ofthe back of the chair can be about 26 inches, providing a lid thicknessof about one inch. A front facing surface of the base of the chair canbe about 23 inches from the front facing surface of the back of thechair. The back of the chair can be about 5 inches wide when viewed fromthe side.

The lid 535 can be about one inch thick. As shown in the exampleembodiment, the armless chair internal compart lids can be coupled alonga side edge of the upper surface of the back of the armless chair withone or more hinges that are also coupled to the chair body and allow thelids to be rotated about the hinges. In some embodiments, hinges can beinternally positioned, externally positioned, or combinations of both.The external chair back or exterior shell can be coupled with theinternal storage compartment in some embodiments, while in otherembodiments the internal storage compartment may rest within acomplementary or differently sized space within the external shell.These couplings can be adhesive, mechanical, or others in variousembodiments. In many embodiments, the lids can provide a watertight sealfor the internal storage compartments and as such, may have one or moreinternal lips, protrusions or other features.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the dining chair has an interior back chamber withdimensions of about 3 inches wide. A distance from one or multipleinternal facing walls of each storage compartment to a closest externalwall of the dining chair or exterior shell of the dining chair can beabout one inch.

FIG. 5E shows an example embodiment of an armless chair with integratedstorage from a side angled side perspective view. In some embodiments,additional chambers can be provided, similar to those shown anddescribed with respect to the dining chair embodiments.

In some embodiments, an external shell of the armless chair can be adurable powder-coated steel that is covered and coupled with anall-weather resin wicker. This can provide a durable armless chair thatis weather resistant and can operable to survive many seasons, whileprotecting items stored in the internal storage compartments. In someembodiments, armless chairs can be preassembled, while in others, usersmay assemble one or more components themselves. Cushions can be coveredwith one or more of various textiles, including polyester, which may bespot cleaned, as appropriate.

FIGS. 6A-6D show an example embodiment of a corner-style chair withintegrated storage from top and side cross-sectional views.

As shown in FIG. 6A, a corner chair can have two backs or a side and aback, depending on classification of the backs and sides. As describedherein, the terms are interchangeable with respect to the embodimentsshown since they have similar dimensions. As shown, an upper surface 630of the backs of the corner chair can be relatively or completely flatand include a first internal 620 compartment in one back and a secondinternal compartment 625 in the other back, as indicated by the dashedlines in the figure. These internal compartments may be sized such thatthey match a substantial portion of the surface area of the uppersurface of each back. In some embodiments, dimensions of an uppersurface of the first back of the corner chair can be about 5 inches wideby about 28 inches long. An upper surface of the second back of thecorner chair can be about 23 inches long by about 5 inches wide. Thebacks can be oriented such that they are coupled or otherwise flush witheach other and touching in a corner of the corner chair. As shown, anupper seating surface can be about 19 inches long and about 23 incheswide by 23 inches long. A combined length of the upper seating surfaceand upper back surface can be about 28 inches long by 28 inches wide.Corner chairs can be various dimensions in different embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, a front cross-sectional view of the armlesschair can have a general chair shape, with one or more supporting feetor legs, a seating surface, and a first back that is perpendicular tothe second back. In the example embodiment, the corner chair has totaldimensions of about 28 inches from a bottom edge of the legs that is incontact with a floor, deck, ground, or other supporting surface to anupper surface of the back lids. Legs 640 can provide clearance above theground with an open space in between, as in the example embodiment thereare four legs provided. Legs can be spaced apart and suspend the bottomof the chair above a floor surface. A distance from the bottom edge ofthe chair legs to the upper seating surface 650 can be about 14 inches.A height of the backs of the chair from can be about 26 inches from thetop of the legs or feet to the upward facing surface of the backs of thechair below the back lids.

Each lid 635 is about one inch thick. As shown in the exampleembodiment, the dining chair internal compart lids are coupled alongtheir widthwise back side edges with one or more hinges that are alsocoupled to the chair body and allow the lids to be rotated about thehinges. In some embodiments, hinges can be internally positioned,externally positioned, or combinations of both. The dining chair base orexterior shell can be coupled with the internal storage compartment insome embodiments, while in other embodiments the internal storagecompartment may rest within a complementary or differently sized spacewithin the external shell. These couplings can be adhesive, mechanical,or others in various embodiments. In many embodiments, the lids canprovide a watertight seal for the internal storage compartments and assuch, may have one or more internal lips, protrusions or other features.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the corner chair has interior back chambers withdimensions of about 3 inches wide and about 24 inches tall. In someembodiments, an external shell of the corner chair can be a durablepowder-coated steel that is covered and coupled with an all-weatherresin wicker. This can provide a durable corner chair that is weatherresistant and can operable to survive many seasons, while protectingitems stored in the internal storage compartments. In some embodiments,corner chairs can be preassembled, while in others, users may assembleone or more components themselves.

FIGS. 7A-7E show an example embodiment of a lounge chair 700A, 700B,700C, 700D, 700E with integrated storage from top and sidecross-sectional views.

As shown in FIG. 7A, an upper surface of the base or bottom portion 720of the lounge chair can be relatively or completely flat and include aninternal compartment 740, indicated by the dashed lines in the figure,which may be sized such that it matches a substantial portion of thesurface area of the upper surface of the lounge chair base. The base ofthe lounge chair can be about 45 inches long and about 24 inches wideand include a second internal compartment. In some embodiments,dimensions of an upper surface of the back 710 of the lounge chair canbe about 24 inches wide by about 29 inches long. A combined length ofthe upper seating surface and upper back surface can be about 76 incheswhen in a flat orientation, where the upper surfaces are coupled by oneor more bars providing about a two-inch clearance between the uppersurfaces. Lounge chairs can be various dimensions in differentembodiments.

As shown in FIG. 7B, a front cross-sectional view of the lounge chaircan have a general lounge chair shape when laid in a flat orientation,with one or more supporting feet or legs, coupled to the seatingsurface, and to the back. In the example embodiment, the lounge chairhas total dimensions of about 22 inches wide and about 11 inches from abottom edge of the legs that is in contact with a floor, deck, ground,or other supporting surface to an upper surface of the internalcompartment lids. The body of the chair may be about 9 inches thick froma lower suspended surface to an upper surface below a chair body lid.

As shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the lounge chair can have a first interiorchamber 720 with dimensions of about 8 inches deep, 22 inches wide, andabout 43 inches long. The lounge chair can have an adjustable back thatcan be moved using adjustors 750 that is attached at one or more hingesto the base and is operable to rotate about the hinges. The back can besupported by one or more lockable or fixable posts such that users canlay in a reclined position. Legs 760 can provide clearance above theground with an open space in between, as in the example embodiment thereare six legs provided.

The lid 735 can be about one inch thick. As shown in the exampleembodiment, the lounge chair internal compart lid is coupled along thelengthwise side edge of the base of the lounge chair with one or morehinges that are also coupled to the lounge chair body that allows thelid to be rotated about the hinges. In some embodiments, hinges can beinternally positioned, externally positioned, or combinations of both.The lounge chair base or exterior shell can be coupled with the internalstorage compartment in some embodiments, while in other embodiments theinternal storage compartment may rest within a complementary ordifferently sized space within the external shell. These couplings canbe adhesive, mechanical, or others in various embodiments. In manyembodiments, the lids can provide a watertight seal for the internalstorage compartments and as such, may have one or more internal lips,protrusions or other features.

FIG. 7E shows an example embodiment of a lounge chair with integratedstorage from a side angled side perspective view.

In some embodiments, an external shell of the lounge chair can be adurable powder-coated steel that is covered and coupled with anall-weather resin wicker. This can provide a durable lounge chair thatis weather resistant and can operable to survive many seasons, whileprotecting items stored in the internal storage compartments. In someembodiments, lounge chairs can be preassembled, while in others, usersmay assemble one or more components themselves. In various embodiments,additional features can include white or other trimmed, cushions thatare Ultraviolet (UV) resistant or fade resistant. The back can beadjustable to one of a variety of preset or customizable back positionsthat allow users to lay flat, recline or sit up in differentorientations comfortably.

FIGS. 8A-8D show an example embodiment of an ottoman with integratedstorage from top and side cross-sectional views.

As shown in FIG. 8A, an upper surface 810 of the ottoman can berelatively or completely flat and an internal compartment 840, indicatedby the dashed lines in the figure, may be sized such that it matches asubstantial portion of the surface area of the upper surface. Ottomanscan be various dimensions in different embodiments. In some embodiments,dimensions of an upper surface can be about 23 inches wide by 23 incheslong.

As shown in FIG. 8B, a side cross-sectional view of an ottoman can havea box shape, which may extend down to one or more supporting feet orlegs 860. In the example embodiment, the ottoman has exterior dimensionsof about 12 inches from a lower edge above the legs or feet to an upperedge that is positioned below a sealable lid 835. A distance from abottom edge of the legs or feet in contact with a floor, deck, ground,or other supporting surface to an upper surface of a lid can be about 14inches. Cushions 850 can be about 3 inches thick. The lid may have amaximum thickness of slightly less than two inches from an upper surfaceedge to a surface edge that is flush with an upper surface edge of awall of the ottoman.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the ottoman has an interior chamber with dimensionsof about 4 inches from a supporting internal surface edge with aninternal clearance of about 8 inches above an upper internal bottomsurface edge of the base of the ottoman. A distance from one or multipleexterior walls of the storage compartment to an internal wall of thebase or exterior shell of the ottoman can be about one inch. As shown inthe example embodiment, the distance from one internal wall to anopposing internal wall of the internal compartment can be about 21inches. As shown in the example embodiment, the ottoman can have oneside coupled with one or more hinges that are also coupled to the lidand allow the lid to be rotated about the hinges. In some embodiments,hinges can be internally positioned, externally positioned, orcombinations of both. The base or exterior shell can be coupled with theinternal storage compartment in some embodiments, while in otherembodiments the internal storage compartment may rest within acomplementary or differently sized space within the external shell.These couplings can be adhesive, mechanical, or others in variousembodiments. In many embodiments, the lid can provide a watertight sealfor the internal storage compartments and as such, may have one or moreinternal lips, protrusions or other features.

FIG. 8D shows an example embodiment of an ottoman with integratedstorage from a side angled side perspective view.

In some embodiments, an external shell of the ottoman can be a durablepowder-coated steel that is covered and coupled with an all-weatherresin wicker. This can provide a durable ottoman that is weatherresistant and can operable to survive many seasons, while protectingitems stored in the internal storage compartments. In some embodiments,ottomans can be preassembled, while in others, users may assemble one ormore components themselves. In various embodiments, additional featurescan include white or other trimmed, cushions that are Ultraviolet (UV)resistant or fade resistant.

FIG. 9A shows an example embodiment of hinges 900 a for couplingcomponents. As shown in the example embodiment, hinges can be strong,durable, and versatile. These Hinges can cover preset or predrilledhinge holes in surfaces of the various pieces of outdoor furniture andcan be secured with one or more screws, nuts, bolts, washers, adhesives,glues, or other appropriate means. In various embodiments, they can beused in hot and cold climates and resist corrosion while providingfunctionality for long periods of time. As shown, one or more sides ofthe hinges can have a central coupling such that internal surfaces canrest against each other when closed. Living hinges are also contemplatedin some embodiments.

FIG. 9B shows an example embodiment of hinges 900B for couplingcomponents. As shown in the example embodiment, halves can be rotatablycoupled with each other about a pin or bolt and provide dependabilityand longevity. One or both of the hinge halves is operable to rotateabout the pin and each half can be secured as appropriate with one ormore screws, nuts, bolts, washers, adhesives, glues, or otherappropriate means.

FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of a full set of outdoor furniture1000 with integrated storage set from a perspective view. As shown inthe example embodiment, various outdoor furniture pieces can haveapproximate or matching dimensions such that they have uniform seatinglevel surfaces and backs. These pieces can be mixed and matched indifferent embodiments and can be oriented as desired or appropriate forcustomization in different outdoor environments.

FIG. 11A shows an example embodiment of outdoor furniture 1100A with aprotective covering from a perspective view.

FIG. 11B shows an example embodiment of a table and chairs 1100B with aprotective covering from a perspective view.

As is known in the prior art, some outdoor furniture pieces havecustomized coverings that provide protection from inclement weather thatmay have zippers, ties, elastic, and other mechanisms to secure themover the furniture pieces. Internal compartments as described herein canprovide appropriate storage locations for these coverings when not inuse.

Additional outdoor items can also include internal compartments forstorage of items, as taught herein. One example is an umbrella, that canbe folded and tied when not in use, which may telescope into an umbrellabody structure. In some embodiments, pieces of furniture can includepivoting leg areas and cushions that are inflatable or collapsible.Lumbar support pillows can also be stored using internal storagecompartments described herein. Securing mechanisms can include keyrings,keys and locks, dog collar types, pin and receiver, latches, electroniclocks, remotely operated electronic locks, fingerprint or other sensors,automatic locks, and others. Also contemplated are various seals, rims,ridges, and other features. Some embodiments provide for drainagechannels, vents, and other holes to provide airflow and fluid drainagefrom within internal chambers.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure isnot entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure.Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from theactual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions,and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein areintended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from anyother embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, orstep is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should beunderstood that that feature, element, component, function, or step canbe used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitlystated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basisand written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, thatcombine features, elements, components, functions, and steps fromdifferent embodiments, or that substitute features, elements,components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those ofanother, even if the following description does not explicitly state, ina particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions arepossible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of everypossible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especiallygiven that the permissibility of each and every such combination andsubstitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled toother entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and“connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and,in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities(without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) andthe indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligibleintervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directlycoupled together or described as coupled together without description ofany intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities canbe indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particularform disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritof the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, orelements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, aswell as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of theclaims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not withinthat scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chair comprising: a back chamber; a basechamber; wherein the back chamber and the base chamber are operativelyconnected to each other and wherein the back chamber is adjustable in aplane relative to the base chamber such that the back chamber isoperable to seat users; wherein the back chamber and the base chamberfurther comprise: an upper portion; a lower portion; at least twosupport walls coupled to the upper portion and lower portion, operableto maintain the upper portion at a height above a ground surface; atleast one moveable component operatively connected to at least one ofthe upper portion, lower portion, and either of the support walls; aremovable cushion sized to fit on a top surface of the lower portion,wherein at least the base chamber is sized to store the cushion; andwherein the cushion includes one or more internal or external magnetsthat magnetically couple with one or more magnets of the chair.
 2. Thechair of claim 1, wherein at least the base chamber is accessiblethrough the at least one moveable component.
 3. The chair of claim 1,wherein the at least one moveable component is permanently attached toat least one of upper portion, lower portion, and either of the supportwalls on at least a portion of at least one edge of at least one ofupper portion, lower portion, and either of the support walls.
 4. Thechair of claim 1, wherein the back chamber has dimensions configured tostore at least one cushion that is operable to provide back support tousers on the upper portion.
 5. The chair of claim 1, wherein the atleast one moveable component is configured to hermetically seal at leastone of the back chamber and the base chamber.
 6. The chair of claim 1,wherein at least one of the back chamber and the base chamber can bemade of synthetic materials.
 7. The chair of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the back chamber and the base chamber can be made of acombination of natural materials and synthetic materials.
 8. The chairof claim 1, wherein an external shell of at least one of the upperportion and the lower portion is made of a durable powder-coated steelthat is covered and coupled with an all-weather resin wicker.
 9. Thechair of claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the external shell islifted from the ground surface.